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Melanie loves it when she gets a mention in my blog. So, today, it's all about Mel! One thing I've learned about Mel is that she likes to tell stories. However, they're usually very long. I tell her they have chapters. So, here's a little story about Mel. Ahem.

All About Mel
by Michelle Porter

Chapter 1

Melanie and I were playing Scrabble the other night and Mel said, "Can you look at my rash?" Then, she proceded to show me her rashes in various parts of her body... Yes. Ahem.

"That looks like ringworm," I tell her.

"Are you sure?" she asks.

"Well, it's in a perfect circle, and it's a rash. I'm pretty sure," I reply.

"Yes, but look at this one! It's not in a circle. "

"Well, I don't know, but you should see a doctor just in case."

I did ask Korin, but she's psych nurse. Maybe you're more qualified to diagnose these things, being a Mission worker," Melanie adds.

I then procede to beat her in Scrabble. (I had to throw that in although it makes no difference to the story.)

Chapter 2.

The next day Mel and I were out for breakfast, having our weekly meeting, when she informs me that her rash is indeed not ringworm, but an allergy to laundry soap. And in great detail she reminds me of the rash behindher neck due to a new shampoo she was using.

"I must be developing sensitive skin or something," she says, puzzled. "Now I'll have to buy expensive allergy-free laundry soap. And I won't use powder. I hate the poweder. I will only use liquid!" (Also an unecessary fact in this story, but amusing, none-the-less.)

"Did you go to the doctor?" I ask.

"Well, no, but I'm pretty sure it's an allergy. And now I have to rewash all my clothes."

Chapter 3.

The next day, over lunch break, I overhear the most hilarious conversation in the staff lounge. It is Melanie, telling Quinn, (a U or R intern doing her mini practicum with us) and Jarad about her rashes.

"Well, Michelle thought I had ringworm but I found out it's an allergy to laundry soap and now I've washed all my clothes again. Except that I have one more rash now. So, I have one here - here - and here."

Suddenly, somewhat embarassed, she looks at Jarad and says, "Um, is it okay if I talk about my rashes?"

Jarad replies, calm, cool, collected-like, "Ya. It's just mission stuff."

Chapter 4.

Jarad asks, "Can I see your rash?"

Mel shows him the only one of the three she can...

"Cool. Is a worm gonna pop out of it?"

"NO!"

"Oh. It does for cows, you know," Jarad says.

Chapter 5

In my weekly meeting with Vicki, who had just returned from a short vacation, I asked about a dark spot on her hand. "Oh, Jon and I had ringworm!"

I asked her why she didn't tell anyone.

"You know, I think I'm so used to stuff like this, and it's not like it was scabies or lice... I just forgot. We probably should've, eh?" Vicki asked, shrugging her shoulders.

I told her Melanie's story and then it was off to find Melanie.

Chapter 6

"Hey Mel.... Guess what?!" I ask.

"What?!"

"Jon and Vicki had ringworm!! Ha Ha! You have to go to the doctor today for your perscription cream." (Yes, we're evil.)

As it turns out, she had borrowed one of Vicki's shirts when the two of them went horseback riding.

Chapter 7

Present Day: Melanie, in Hawaii with her family, hoping her rashes aren't visable on the beach, and hoping her parents aren't reading this blog, lest they be paranoid THEY will get ringworm next.

The End.